The New York State of Mind tour, featuring hip-hop legends Nas and Wu-Tang Clan, has taken the nation by storm and is now expanding its reach with a second leg. On this unforgettable journey, the tour’s second stop took a unique turn, transforming into an epic pool party at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa.
Breaking away from the typical arena performances, this tour stop offered fans a distinctive experience as they basked in the Florida sun poolside, sipping signature cocktails or relaxing on ledge loungers submerged in up to nine inches of crystal-clear water. The change of scenery and atmosphere brought out a new energy in the rap icons, infusing the performance with a summer party aura.
An ultra-luxury pool was the setting for this exclusive event, hosting a crowd of 2800 loyal members of The Wu and Nas fan bases across three diverse pools. In addition to the pools, private cabanas offered an elevated experience where Wu-Tang symbols adorned bottles, adding to the ultimate show vibe.
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The festivities began with an elite DJ set from DJ Scratch that took the crowd on a journey through 50 years of hip-hop hits from all corners of the nation.
De La Soul, a recent addition to the tour, opened the show, bringing in a surprise special guest, Talib Kweli, who assisted in delivering De La’s hits and even treated the audience to “Get By” from his own repertoire.
Following this engaging set, Wu-Tang Clan emerged on the stage, led by RZA, who ignited the crowd with “Bring Da Ruckus,” setting the tone for an unforgettable performance. Maintaining an element of surprise, Wu-Tang Clan showed up fully and thrilled the audience by bringing out Method Man during “Wu-Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthing Ta F’ Wit.”
After Wu-Tang Clan’s explosive performance, Nas made his grand entrance, representing Queensbridge and even teasing the idea of taking a dip in the pool with the ecstatic fans. The excitement peaked when, early in his set, Nas, flanked by DJ Green Lantern, followed up “The Message” with the electrifying “Hate Me Now.” Nas, dressed in a white tee, heavy chains, and shorts, embraced the Tampa sun and assured fans that the temperature wouldn’t be the same for the rest of the tour.
The New York legends Nas and Wu-Tang Clan would take turns on stage, delivering classics from their extensive catalogs. The audience was treated to a spectacular musical journey with hits like “If I Ruled the World” and “C.R.E.A.M.,” “NY State of Mind” and “All I Need,” “The World is Yours” and “Shame on a Nigga,” “Ice Cream” and “Got Ur Self a Gun.” The show reached its pinnacle when Raekwon and Nas shared the stage for a spellbinding rendition of “Verbal Intercourse.”
The New York State of Mind tour’s pool party at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa proved that this tour is more than just music; it’s a unique experience that brings fans closer to their favorite artists in an unforgettable setting. As Nas, Wu-Tang Clan, and their dedicated fans continue their journey across the country, one can only imagine the surprises and musical magic that await at each tour stop. But none of them will be like Tampa.
You can see images from the epic event below.
